Retention Issues Involving Drug-Abusing Women in Treatment Research (From Treatment for Drug-Exposed Women and Their Children: Advances in Research Methodology, P 110-122, 1996, Elizabeth R Rahdert, ed. -- See NCJ-163710)

• NCJ Number: 163717
• Author(s): R A Lewis; D L Haller; D Branch; K S Ingersoll
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program Description (Demonstrative)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC. NIDA Research Monograph Series 165

Annotation

Barriers to the retention of pregnant and parenting women in drug treatment programs include economic and logistical barriers (housing, child care, and transportation), patient-related barriers (legal status, age, experience with treatment, and stage of pregnancy), and program-related barriers (availability of medical detoxification, gender-sensitive versus generic treatment, and waiting lists).

Abstract

Many drug-abusing women drop out of treatment because of economic problems. Drug treatment is not always affordable to women, especially those on public assistance and those with few financial resources who require treatment that is either free or inexpensive. In addition, adequate child care and transportation are critical for women who have young children, work outside the home, and attempt to stay in drug therapy. Drug treatment programs that create a client-friendly environment increase the likelihood that women will access available services and remain in treatment. Drug treatment programs should anticipate and meet the special needs of women, be affordable and client-friendly, and be sensitive to gender and culture. The experience of the Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Perinatal Addiction in reducing or eliminating barriers drug treatment for pregnant and parenting women is reported. 13 references